The New York State Senate Transportation Committee today held a public hearing on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) finances.

“The MTA has a budget of over $13 billion. Fare payers deserve to know how the MTA is spending that money. Through this hearing, the Committee heard directly from the MTA leadership about its current financial state, measures it is taking to improve service and efficiency, and how it plans to lower its costs and make using the MTA more affordable for riders and drivers,” said Senator Fuschillo, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.

Legislation Would Require MTA to Hold Public Hearings Regarding Changes in Fares, Tolls, or Services in All Affected Regions

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced today that the New York State Senate passed legislation he sponsored to make it easier and more convenient for residents who would be affected by any proposed Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) fare increase, toll hike and major service change to voice their concerns.

The legislation (S776) would require the MTA to hold hearings in each county in which a fare, toll, and/or major service change is proposed.

Legislation Would Have Required MTA to Hold Public Hearings Regarding Changes in Fares, Tolls, or Services in All Affected Regions

“I am extremely disappointed that Governor Cuomo vetoed legislation I sponsored that would ensure that all residents affected by any proposed Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) fare increase, toll hike, or major service change are able to voice their concerns.